CNG Soon to Be Available on Ganga Expressway: Big Relief for Drivers as Central Government Grants Permission
Travelers and vehicle owners driving down the majestic Ganga Expressway are set to receive a major infrastructural upgrade as compressed natural gas (CNG) will soon become accessible at designated rest areas along the route. Ever since the ambitious 594-kilometer expressway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 29, owners of CNG-powered vehicles have been hesitant to use the corridor due to a noticeable fuel availability gap. Specifically, along the initial 130-kilometer stretch of the first package running from Meerut to Badaun, motorists faced a complete lack of CNG stations, dampening travel convenience despite the presence of petrol, diesel, and EV charging facilities set up by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).
Overcoming the Fuel Hurdle: Why CNG Was Delayed
Although UPEIDA had mapped out comprehensive passenger amenities at rest areas across Amroha and Sambhal within the 130-kilometer first package—incorporating food courts, restrooms, and electric vehicle charging hubs—the integration of CNG pumps faced unexpected roadblocks. According to officials from UPEIDA and IRB Infra, the operating agency for the expressway's first phase, the international geopolitical disruptions stemming from the Iran-US conflict triggered a severe global energy supply crunch. This crisis temporarily stalled the official administrative permissions required to establish new gas stations. Fortunately, the Government of India has now cleared all regulatory clearances, paving the way for rapid installation and operational readiness.
Tanker Supply First, Pipeline Connectivity Later
Spelling out the immediate rollout plan, Anoop Singh, Chief General Manager of IRB Infra, confirmed that the CNG distribution rights for these rest areas have been officially allotted to Megha Gas Agency. The physical infrastructure and dispensing stations at both rest areas are already fully built and prepared for operations. To ensure motorists face no further delays, gas will initially be transported and supplied to the stations via high-capacity cryogenic tankers. Permanent online pipeline connectivity will subsequently be established to ensure uninterrupted, long-term supply, transforming the Ganga Expressway into a truly seamless travel experience for eco-friendly commuters across western and central Uttar Pradesh.
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